Tulum
is one of Mexico's most well-known archaeological sites, mostly due to
its location.

Tulum is located on a cliff 12 meters above the ocean, and was a part
of a series of Maya towns, shrines, and forts established along the coast
of the Yucatan Peninsula. Although it's small compared to other archeological
zones, Tulum is the largest fortified site on the Quintana Roo coast.

Tulum meas "wall" in Maya, and is enclosed by a wall of stone 3 to 5
meters high and several meters thick. Within this wall lies 60 well-preserved
structures that are rich in Mayan history. In addition, the spectacular
ocean views and beaches below make the trip well worth it.

Xel Ha

This natural water park, located right outside of Playa del Carmen, is
a place where the waters from the Caribbean and the waters from the underground
rivers of the Yucatan Peninsula converge. This is a protected habitat
for regional marine life and offers great snorkeling, hiking, and exploring
of the 2 large "cenotes" (freshwater sinkhole).

Ruins on the Mainland

Chichén Itzá

Chichén Itzá, the ancient city whose name means "in the mouth at the Itzáe's Well", was, in its time of grandeur (between 800 and 1200 A.D.), the centre of political, religious and military power in Yucatán, if not all of South-eastern Meso America.

In its architecture one can observe a gradual change in style, starting with the Puuc style, also shared with Uxmal and other sites in the Penninsula and cluminating with the so-called Mayan Toltec style, due to the architectural similiarities with Tula, capital of the Ancient Toltecs, and with other sites in Central Mexico, such as Oaxaca and the Gulf Coast.
Chichén Itzá was a large city with a great many inhabitants, distributed around the architectural nucleii which we observe as ruins, who had a relatively easy access to the water coming from the various caves and Cenotes of the region.

Chichén Itzá is located about 3 hours from Cancun. This excavation
site went under restoration in 1923 and yet has many uncovered mounds
to support continued exploration for years to come. Roughly 18 structures
have been excavated and restored. It is not fully understood as to what
the former uses for these building were, however archeologists can hypothesize
from the evidence uncovered.

Chichén Itzá is a must see for the serious Maya ruin hunter.

Coba

About 45 minutes west of Tulum, hidden in the jungle next to several large lakes, are the very impressive ruins of Coba. While still relatively close to the Cancun-Tulum corridor, the modern village of Coba still has an "Old Mexico" feel to it. It's a place where Mayan rather than Spanish is considered the first language.

Due in large part to its location between Tulum and Chichen Itza and its abundant water supply, at its height, from about 400-800 A.D., Coba was a trading center with a population of over 55,000. While restoration is now an ongoing process, less than 5% of the ancient city has currently been reconstructed.

The incredibly large Maya site of Coba covers nearly 50 square km. The
ancient city was begun in 600 A.D. with thousands of Mayans having lived
there. This is believed to be one of the largest Mayan excavations on
the Yucatan Peninsula with roughly 5000 mounds yet to be uncovered.

Distances
between the structures are long with each group of ruins buried in the
middle of thick jungle. The paths of Coba are covered with vines, trees,
and flowers, and a feeling of discovery becomes apparent as many of the
ruins remain uncovered. Many ancient roads converge at Coba from what
once were Maya villages. This indicates that Coba was the largest city
of that era. The tallest pyramid of Coba, Nohoch Mul, is a 12 story/42
meter climb. The top has a tremendous view along with a small temple
that includes a well-preserved carving of a Descending God.

Tired of visiting the sights as part of the "herd?" Cannot find an excursion that exactly fits how you'd like to spend your day on the mainland? No problem! COZUMELINSIDER can custom design a mainland excursion just for you and your group!
From US$168

Visit this city that is icon of the Maya culture in the Mexican Caribbean and the only built facing the sea. Due to its amazing architecture and location on a cliff facing the turquoise waters of the Caribbean sea, Tulum is the third most visited prehispanic site in Mexico.
US$ 57.00 Adult / US$ 41.00 Kids

Visit this city that is icon of the Maya culture in the Mexican Caribbean and the only built facing the sea. Due to its amazing architecture and location on a cliff facing the turquoise waters of the Caribbean sea, Tulum is the third most visited prehispanic site in Mexico.
US$ 159.00 Adult / US$ 79.50 Kids

Ever wondered what Chichen Itza would look like at night? It's time for you to immerse in the Mayan heaven full of moonlight, music, special light effects and mysticism. The Light & Sound show hosted by the ancient spirits will captivate your eyes and soul.
US$ 92/Adult & US$ 63/Child

Visit this city that is icon of the Maya culture in the Mexican Caribbean and the only built facing the sea. Due to its amazing architecture and location on a cliff facing the turquoise waters of the Caribbean sea, Tulum is the third most visited prehispanic site in Mexico.
US$ 57/Adult & US$ 41/Child

This eco adventure park has the longest and highest 1.86 mile zip lines of the region ending on a refreshing Cenote plunge, adventure jungle tours on amphibious vehicles, an underground universe of 437 yd rivers where you can swim while admiring rock formations, a stunning route across subterranean caverns with natural wells while paddling a raft, and finally a delicious light buffet, that will recharge your energy.
US$ 119/Adult & US$ 59.50/Child

This eco adventure park has the longest and highest 1.86 mile zip lines of the region ending on a refreshing Cenote plunge, adventure jungle tours on amphibious vehicles, an underground universe of 437 yd rivers where you can swim while admiring rock formations, a stunning route across subterranean caverns with natural wells while paddling a raft, and finally a delicious light buffet, that will recharge your energy.
US$ 149/Adult & US$ 74.50/Child

Hello Cozumel Insider - Just wanted to thank you very much for organizing the tour to Coba and Tulum and the snorkel at Akumel for our family on December 27th. We had a wonderful day and would like our appreciation for our driver and guide to be noted. We understood our tour was for 8 hours and after spending too much time at the sites of the ruins (they are amazing and, with our daughter who is in her 3rd year of archaeology, spent longer than most visiting Coba) our day was running a bit short of time. We thought we would have to forgo our planned snorkel at Akumel, but both our driver and tour guide agreed to put in an hour and a half extra to allow us to swim.

We truly appreciated this - Mexico is a beautiful country with many diverse treasures and to have people so eager for us to see and enjoy them made them all that more special!!